Whitson Gordon

Those that live in smaller apartments (or have small kitchens) could always use more shelf space. Thankfully, DIY web site Instructables has a guide to using magnets to make your own under-the-shelf spice rack—essentially giving one shelf the space of two.

We've already featured a spice-related magnet hack before, in our top 10 magnet hacks—but this is an especially nice implementation. The project is fairly quick and easy, too—all you need are some magnets (which you can either buy or get for free in your own house), a drill, and some epoxy or super glue to stick the magnets on the underside of the shelves. When you buy your materials, make sure the tops of your spice jars are magnetic, and make sure your magnets are strong, too—a connection too weak will find you coming home to a floor covered in pepper (and possibly a very sneezy pet).

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This how-to requires a drill because the author used very small magnets glued into the underside of the shelf—if you find some larger magnets that hold, though, you could always just stick them on the bottom, although they probably won't be flush with the surface. It all depends on how much work you want to do and how clean you want it to look. Hit the link for the full instructions. Got any other space-saving kitchen tips? Let's hear them in the comments!